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Josh Hamilton

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"Josh Hamilton" redirects here. For the actor, see Josh Hamilton (actor).
Josh Hamilton
Texas Rangers – No. 32
Outfielder
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
debut
April 2, 2007, for the Cincinnati Reds
Career statistics
(through July 15, 2008)
Batting average.298
Home runs47
Runs batted in159
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Non-MLB stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams

Joshua Holt Hamilton (born May 21, 1981 in Template:City-state) is a Major League Baseball player for the Texas Rangers. He was the first overall pick in the 1999 Major League Baseball Draft by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.[1] He was considered a blue chip prospect until injuries and addiction derailed his career in 2001. Prior to the 2007 season, Hamilton was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the Rule 5 Draft, and quickly sold to the Cincinnati Reds.[2] He made his MLB debut in 2007, and had a successful rookie season. During the off-season he was traded to the Texas Rangers for Edinson Volquez.[3]

After his torrid start to the 2008 season, Hamilton was named to the American League All-Star team. He also participated in the Home Run Derby, where he hit 28 home runs in the opening round, to break Bobby Abreu's record of 24 set in 2005. He finished second in the finals to Justin Morneau, but did hit the second most total home runs of any participant with 35, while Bobby Abreu finished with 41.[4][5]

Baseball career

Hamilton's success in baseball can be atributed to three letters.... HGH! He should be tested ASAP! the major leagues love it when a guy like Hamilton does well because he is white, but hate on Barry Bonds! BULL SHIT!!! BARRY IS A BEAST!!! Hamilton needs to get tested for HGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hamilton signed with the Devil Rays receiving a $3.96 million signing bonus, and joined their minor league system.[1][6] His first stop in the minors was the rookie level Princeton Devil Rays of the Appalachian League where he played 56 games. He also joined the Hudson Valley Renegades, and helped lead them to their first New York-Penn League championship. After this successful debut in professional baseball, he spent the 2000 season with the Charleston RiverDogs in the South Atlantic League.[7] At the start of his pro career, Hamilton's parents quit their jobs so they could travel with their son.[8] The first overall pick in the 2000 draft, the year after Hamilton was Adrian Gonzalez who also went to the 2008 MLB All-Star Game, the same year as Hamilton.

Prior to the 2001 season, Hamilton was involved in a car accident. His mother was also injured in the accident, and she went home with her husband to recuperate from her injuries. The 2001 season was also when he began experimenting with drugs, and made his first attempt at rehab.[8] Hamilton only played 27 games in the 2001 season, split between Charleston (A-Ball) and the Orlando Rays, a AA team in the Southern League. Hamilton began the 2002 season with the Bakersfield Blaze, batting .303 with 9 home runs and 44 RBI in 56 games before his season came to an end due to lingering back and shoulder injuries.[7]

At the start of the 2003 season, Hamilton showed up late several times during spring training and was reassigned to the team's minor league camp. He left the team and resurfaced several times, but eventually took the rest of the season off for personal reasons. Hamilton was hoping to return to spring training with the Devil Rays in 2004, but he was suspended 30 days and fined for violating the drug policy put in place by MLB. Because of the length of his suspension, and the terms of the drug policy, Hamilton must have failed two or more drug tests after being put into the program. A 'failed' test is a positive result for a drug more severe than marijuana.[9] This suspension was increased several times after repeated violations of the terms of the program.[10]

From 2004 until 2006, Hamilton did not play baseball at all. He made several attempts at rehab, and started off the 2005 season with hopes of being reinstated by MLB. [11] His return to baseball was helped along by Roy Silver who owns a baseball academy in Florida. After hearing about Hamilton's desire to return to baseball, Silver offered the use of his facility if Hamilton agreed to work there. After several months there, Hamilton attempted to play with an independent minor league team, but MLB stepped in and disallowed it. After reviewing his case, and hearing from doctors that being around baseball might speed his recovery, Hamilton was allowed to work out with the Devil Rays minor league players starting on June 2, 2006. By the end of the month, he was allowed to participate in minor league games.[6][10] He played 15 games with the Hudson Valley Renegades at the end of the 2006 season.[7][12] In addition to returning to baseball, Hamilton also served as a cautionary tale for his young teammates with the Renegades. Rick Zolzer, the Renegades' director of special events said of Hamilton: ""He pointed (the other players) in the right direction. He said, Don't make the mistakes I made.' He was so good with all of the young kids."[12]

Rule 5 Draft

Hamilton was selected third overall in the MLB portion of the 2006 Rule 5 Draft by the Chicago Cubs, as the Rays had not placed him on their 40-man roster.[2] The Cubs then sold Hamilton to the Cincinnati Reds for $100,000 ($50,000 for his rights, and $50,000 to cover the cost of the Rule 5 selection).[12][13] In their coverage of the draft, Chris Kline and John Manuel of Baseball America called Hamilton "the biggest name in the Rule 5 in years."[14]

Cincinnati Reds (2007)

In order to retain the rights to Hamilton, the Reds had to keep him on their Major League 25-man roster for the entire 2007 season. He was one of the Reds' best hitters in spring training, leaving camp with a .403 batting average. As a result, he won a spot on the Reds' Opening Day roster;[15] the Reds planned to use him as a fourth outfielder.[16] Hamilton started most of the time in center field after an injury to Ryan Freel. He also received starts due to injuries to Chris Denorfia and Norris Hopper.

Hamilton made his long-awaited Major League debut on April 2 against the Chicago Cubs in a pinch-hit appearance, receiving a 22-second standing ovation. After he lined out, Hamilton stayed in the game to play left field.[17] As he was waiting to bat, Cubs catcher Michael Barrett said "'You deserve it, Josh. Take it all in, brother. I'm happy for you."[1][18] He made his first start on April 10 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, batting lead off. In that game, he recorded his first Major League hit, a home run off Édgar González. The next night, he hit another. Hamilton was named the National League Rookie of the Month for April.

On May 22, the Reds placed Hamilton on the 15-day disabled list with gastroenteritis; they activated him on June 5 after he batted .333 (8-for-24) with four home runs and six RBI in a six-game Minor League rehabilitation assignment.[19] Hamilton went back on the DL on July 12 with a sprained wrist.[20]

Among all NL rookies, Hamilton placed second behind Ryan Braun in slugging percentage (.554), and fourth in home runs (19; behind Braun, Chris Young, and Troy Tulowitzki). He was shut out in the voting for the Rookie of the Year, which was won by Braun.[21]

Texas Rangers (2008–present)

Hamilton running to home plate

On December 21, 2007, the Reds traded Hamilton to the Texas Rangers for Edinson Volquez and Danny Herrera.[3][22] In 2008, Hamilton locked up the Rangers starting center fielder job with a stellar spring training in which he batted .556 and drove in 13 RBIs in 14 games.[23] His spring training performance proceeded to follow into the regular season. Hamilton, usually slotted third in the Texas batting order, led all Major League players in RBI for the month of April. He was named American League Player of the Month after hitting .330 with 32 RBI during the month. Hamilton then went on to win player of the month for the second straight month in May, becoming the first American League player in baseball history to be awarded Player of the Month for the first two months of the season.[24] Hamilton was featured on the cover of the June 2, 2008 issue of Sports Illustrated, in a story chronicling his comeback.[1] On July 9, 2008 Josh Hamilton hit the first walk-off home run of his career against Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez.[25][26]

Fans selected Hamilton as one of the starting outfielders for the American League at the 2008 MLB All Star Game at Yankee Stadium. He finished first in voting among the outfielders to clinch his spot.[27] He was one of seven first-time starters in the game. Along with Kosuke Fukudome, Geovany Soto, and Ryan Braun, he will be one of three who made their MLB debut 2007 or 2008.[28] He was selected to participate in the 2008 Major League Baseball Home Run Derby the evening before the game. Hamilton selected 71-year old Clay Council to throw to him during the Derby. Council [29] was a volunteer who threw batting practice for him as a child in Cary, NC.[30] In the first round of the event Hamilton hit 28 home runs, breaking the single round record of 24 set by Bobby Abreu in 2005.[5][31] Hamilton ended up hitting the most total home runs in the contest with 35, but lost in the final round to Justin Morneau, as the scores were reset.[32] His record setting first round included 13 straight home runs at one point, and three that went further than 500 feet. His longest home run was 518 feet.[5][32] In 2006, when Hamilton was trying to get back into baseball, he had a dream where he participated in a Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium, but he could not remember how many home runs he had hit. After the Derby Hamilton said: "This, was like living the dream out, because like I've said, I didn't know the ending to that dream."[33] On August 17 He was intentionally walked with the bases loaded against the Rays in the bottom of the ninth to face Marlon Byrd with the Rays leading 7-4. The Rays went on to win the game 7-4. Hamilton became only the 3rd Player in history to have that feat. Joe Maddon said after the game "We didn't want Hamilton to hit a home run. He's got 28, and Marlon Byrd's got 8."

Personal life

Family

Josh Hamilton is married to Katie (nee Chadwick), the daughter of one of the men (Michael Chadwick) who helped him in his quest to get clean. They started dating in 2002, when Hamilton returned to Raleigh.[22] They married in 2004.[34] Katie has a daughter, Julia, from a previous relationship, and together Josh and Katie have a daughter, Sierra. They went through a period of estrangement when it became clear that Josh was using drugs again. After he got clean in 2005, he began seeing his family again. The couple is currently expecting another child. He left in the middle of the Texas-Boston game on August 13, 2008 because his wife was in labor. He flew right home in the hopes of seeing the birth of his child.[22] The daughter's name is Michaela Grace Hamilton.[35]

Recovery/Faith

Hamilton's struggles with drugs and alcohol are well documented. He finally got clean after being confronted by his grandmother, Mary Holt. Hamilton says he hasn't used drugs or alcohol since October 6, 2005.[1] When giving a brief summary of his recovery Hamilton says simply "It's a God thing."[18] He does not shy away from telling his story, speaking to community groups and fans at many different functions. He frequently and publicly tells stories of how Christianity has brought him back from the brink and that faith is what keeps him going.[34] His wife Katie sometimes accompanies him, offering her perspective on his struggles as well.[22] To go along with the provisions of MLB's drug policy, Hamilton provides urine samples for drug testing at least three times per week.[36] Rangers' coach Johnny Narron says of the frequent testing: "I think he looks forward to the tests. He knows he's an addict. He knows he has to be accountable. He looks at those tests as a way to reassure people around him who had faith."[34] Hamilton approaches the plate at Texas Rangers home games to the song "Saved The Day" by Christian group Phillips, Craig and Dean.[37] Josh also had help with his recovery, and with his return to Major League Baseball, from Richard Davis and his staff at Trademark Properties of Charleston, South Carolina. Josh even helped the company move the final home of "Shoeless" Joe Jackson across Greenville, SC, to an ideal West End display spot next to Fluor Field, home of the Class A South Atlantic League's Greenville Drive. This event was part of a TV special on the show The Real Estate Pros.[citation needed].

Statistics

Major League

Year Age Team Lg G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS TB SH SF IBB HBP GDP
2007 26 Cincinnati NL 90 298 52 87 17 2 19 47 3 3 33 65 .292 .368 .554 .922 165 0 2 4 4 6
2008 27 Texas AL 122 489 80 147 28 3 28 114 7 0 51 94 .301 .366 .542 .906 265 0 9 6 5 6
Totals: 212 787 132 234 45 5 47 161 10 3 84 159 .297 .367 .546 .913 430 0 11 10 9 12

Roll over stat abbreviations for definitions. Stats through August 19, 2008.[38]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Chen, Albert (2008-05-27). "The Super Natural". Retrieved 2008-06-12.
  2. ^ a b "Major League Rule 5 Draft Selections". 2006-12-07. Retrieved 2007-12-06. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |publication= ignored (help)
  3. ^ a b "Reds trade Josh Hamilton to Rangers". USA Today. 2007-12-21. Retrieved 2008-07-10.
  4. ^ "Hamilton has record round, but Morneau wins Derby". AP. 2008-07-14. Retrieved 2008-07-14. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. ^ a b c Phillips, Mike (2008-07-15). "Hamilton steals the show in defeat". Miami Herald. Retrieved 2008-07-15.
  6. ^ a b Nightengale, Bob (2006-06-07). "Hamilton on the comeback trail". Retrieved 2007-06-03. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |publication= ignored (help)
  7. ^ a b c "Josh Hamilton Statistics". Retrieved 2008-06-12.
  8. ^ a b Sheinin, Dave (2007-02-13). "New Life at the Plate". Retrieved 2008-06-13. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |publication= ignored (help)
  9. ^ Topkin, Mark (2004-02-18). "Josh Hamilton Suspended For MLB Drug Policy Violations". Retrieved 2008-06-13. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |publication= ignored (help)
  10. ^ a b Paul, Tony (2008-06-06). "Back from the (nearly) dead". Retrieved 2008-06-13. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |publication= ignored (help)
  11. ^ Topkin, Mark (2005-01-14). "Staying clean a day at a time". Retrieved 2008-06-13. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |publication= ignored (help)
  12. ^ a b c Davidoff, Ken (2008-07-14). "The Natural". The Daily Herald Co. Retrieved 2008-07-14.
  13. ^ "Ex-rays Prospect Hamilton picked in rule 5 draft". 2006-12-07. Retrieved 2007-04-02. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |publication= ignored (help)
  14. ^ Kline, Chris and Manuel, John (2006-12-07). "Rule 5 Draft blog". Baseball America. Retrieved 2007-04-02.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  15. ^ Encina, Eduardo A. (2007-03-31). "Reds' Hamilton to start in majors". Retrieved 2007-04-02. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |publication= ignored (help)
  16. ^ Sheldon, Mark (2007-03-30). "Reds aim to build on last season's run". Retrieved 2007-04-02. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |publication= ignored (help)
  17. ^ Sheldon, Mark (2007-04-02). "Winding road leads Hamilton to the majors". MLB.com. Retrieved 2008-06-20.
  18. ^ a b Hamilton, Josh & Keown, Tim (2007-07-05). "I'm proof that hope is never lost". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2008-06-20.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  19. ^ Sheldon, Mark (2007-06-05). "Hamilton to be activated from DL". Retrieved 2007-06-05.
  20. ^ Sheldon, Mark (2007-07-16). "Notes: Ten more days for Hamilton". Retrieved 2007-07-22.
  21. ^ McCalvy, Adam (2007-11-12). "Braun named NL Rookie of the Year". MLB.com. Retrieved 2008-06-24.
  22. ^ a b c d Sullivan, TR (2007-12-21). "Rangers acquire Hamilton from Reds". MLB.com. Retrieved 2008-07-10. Cite error: The named reference "MLB2" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  23. ^ "Texas Rangers Spring Training Statistics". ESPN. Retrieved 2008-07-15.
  24. ^ "Rangers' Hamilton is AL's player of the month - again". The Seattle Times. 2008-06-02. Retrieved 2008-07-10.
  25. ^ Grant, Evan (2008-07-10). "Josh Hamilton's walk-off homer propels Rangers to win over Angels". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved 2008-07-10.
  26. ^ TR Sullivan (2008-07-10). "Hamilton nets walk off win, naturally". MLB.com. Retrieved 2008-07-10.
  27. ^ Sullivan, TR (2008-07-06). "Rangers send four to All-Star Game". MLB.com. Retrieved 2008-07-07.
  28. ^ "Sports: Braun to start in All-Star Game; Sheets lands birth". The Capital Times. 2008-07-06. Retrieved 2008-07-08.
  29. ^ "Council still on Cloud Nine". WRAL.com. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
  30. ^ "This week: Youth coach on the mound for Hamilton". The News Observer. 2008-07-14. Retrieved 2008-07-14.
  31. ^ "Morneau stuns Hamilton to take Derby". MLB.com. 2008-07-14. Retrieved 2008-07-15.
  32. ^ a b "Hamilton sets record with 28 HRs in first round of Derby; Morneau wins it all". ESPN. 2008-07-15. Retrieved 2008-07-15.
  33. ^ Stark, Jason (2008-07-15). "Hamilton's power display defies explanation". ESPN. Retrieved 2008-07-15.
  34. ^ a b c Grant, Evan (2008-02-29). "Faith brings Texas Rangers' Hamilton back from the brink". Dallas News. Retrieved 2008-06-20.
  35. ^ [ http://www.celebrity-babies.com/2008/08/josh-hamilton-b.html]
  36. ^ Crouse, Karen (2007-03-09). "Finding peace, and looking for a job". New York Times. Retrieved 2008-06-20.
  37. ^ The M Collective (2008-07-09). "PHILLIPS, CRAIG & DEAN FINDS FOLLOWING AT TEXAS RANGERS' BALLPARK". The M Collective. Retrieved 2008-07-09.
  38. ^ "Josh Hamilton Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved 2008-06-28.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Josh Hamilton.
Preceded by First overall pick in the MLB Entry Draft
1999 		Succeeded by
Preceded by
David Ortiz (September 2007)
 American League Player of the Month
April 2008, May 2008 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Josh_Hamilton&oldid=233202302"